Washington, Washington State extend Apple Cup through 2028 - ESPN

SEATTLE — Washington and Washington State have agreed in principle to a five-year extension of the Apple Cup, ensuring the in-state rivalry will continue through at least 2028.

The schools announced the agreement on Sunday, six days before playing for the final time as both members of the Pac-12 Conference. There was uncertainty whether the game would continue, with Washington moving to the Big Ten starting next season and Washington State yet to find a permanent home for its athletic programs.

Washington, ranked No. 4 in the latest AP Top 25, will host the Cougars on Saturday in Seattle. The Huskies (11-0, 8-0) will be trying to close out their first perfect regular season since 1991, while the Cougars (5-6, 2-6) need a win for bowl eligibility.

«For more than a century, fans across the state have been circling the Apple Cup date on their calendars. We are pleased that we will be able to continue this beloved tradition for future generations of Coug fans,» Washington State President Kirk Schulz said.

Next year's game will be played on Sept. 14 at Lumen Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks. After that, the matchup will return to the home campuses, with Washington State hosting games in Pullman in 2025 and 2027, and Washington hosting games at Husky Stadium in 2026 and 2028.

Terms of the agreement are still being finalized.

«The Apple Cup tradition is beloved by Huskies, Cougars and football fans across Washington and beyond, so one of my priorities has been to ensure that it continues into this new era,» Washington President Ana Mari Cauce said. «I'm thrilled that we'll be able to continue this tradition, and to kick off the new era at Lumen Field before returning to each campus.»

The agreement comes even as the sides are